Dr. Heather Taylor
Introduction
Dr. Heather A. Taylor is a respected figure in the world of mythology and depth psychology. Her work bridges ancient storytelling with the modern psyche, bringing fresh insight into how myth continues to influence our inner and outer lives. Through her leadership in the academic world and her creative endeavors, she has emerged as a voice that not only studies myth but lives it. As co-founder of the International Society of Mythology (ISM), she has helped create a thriving intellectual and cultural space where scholars, artists, and seekers converge to explore the meaning behind mythological archetypes in contemporary life.
Area of Expertise
With a career rooted in both academic inquiry and symbolic exploration, Dr. Heather A. Taylor specializes in the study of mythology through the lens of depth psychology. Her research frequently explores the presence of animals in myth, especially those symbolizing transformation and power. One of her key areas of investigation includes the role of the horse in mythology—often a symbol of movement, strength, and the unconscious. In her upcoming presentation titled Reign of Power: How the Mythological Horse Holds the Tension of Balance and Transformation, she examines how such archetypes embody not just cultural meaning, but psychological resonance. Her methodology blends Jungian theory with classical storytelling, offering a nuanced understanding of myth as both historical and personal.
Books & Publications
While Dr. Heather A. Taylor has not yet published a major standalone book, her academic influence is felt through numerous journal contributions, essays, and conference papers. Her work is widely cited in interdisciplinary studies involving mythology, psychology, and feminist theory. Beyond the written word, she uses film as a powerful tool for storytelling. Her documentary, Breaking Through The Clouds: The First Women’s National Air Derby, is a compelling example of myth in motion. It captures the journey of pioneering female aviators, presenting their 1929 flight not just as a historical event but as a symbolic narrative of courage and transformation—mirroring the heroic quests found in ancient myths. The film has earned praise for its ability to weave mythic structure into real-world narratives.
Research & Contributions
Dr. Heather A. Taylor’s research delves deep into the symbolic structure of myths and their psychological functions. She has studied how mythological themes serve as frameworks for understanding human experiences, particularly in the context of identity, transformation, and inner conflict. Her work on Hades’ four immortal horses, often overlooked in the story of Persephone, reframes them as guardians of transition and balance between worlds. This focus on underrepresented symbols gives voice to the subtler aspects of mythology and their psychological implications. As part of her contributions to ISM, she has helped initiate programs and dialogues that link myth to real-world issues, from ecological awareness to gender equity, making her scholarship both timely and transformative.
Awards & Recognitions
The influence of Dr. Heather A. Taylor has not gone unnoticed. Her documentary Breaking Through The Clouds won top awards at several film festivals, and its continued broadcast on PBS reflects the broad impact of her storytelling approach. In the academic realm, her dissertation earned the 2025 Kore Award for Dissertation of Merit from the Association for the Study of Women and Mythology—an honor that recognizes outstanding feminist scholarship in mythological studies. These accolades underscore her ability to merge intellectual rigor with creative expression. Her recognition is not only for content but for bringing a visionary approach to age-old themes, making her a standout voice in the study of mythology today.
Social Media Profiles
Although Dr. Heather A. Taylor maintains a low personal profile online, her professional presence is felt across platforms associated with the International Society of Mythology. Through ISM’s website, events, and publications, she actively engages with a worldwide community of mythologists, psychologists, writers, and educators. She frequently contributes to discussions, workshops, and lectures hosted by the society, enabling her to reach audiences who share a passion for the enduring relevance of myth. Her collaborative style and openness to dialogue make her a central figure in these digital and intellectual spaces, fostering a sense of connected scholarship across disciplines and cultures.
Bibliographic Sources
FAQ | Int’l Society of Mythology. (2016). https://www.ismythology.com/faq
Heather Taylor, Ph.D. (2024). Heather Taylor, Ph.D. – The Mythological Times – LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/posts/heather-taylor-ph-d-78322512_the-mythological-times-a-blog-from-the-international-activity-7258201877077442560-zFa3
about ism – International Society of Mythology. (2024). https://www.ismythology.com/about
WomenandMyth. (2025). Announcing Scholar Salon 85: Register for June 12 – ASWM. https://womenandmyth.org/2025/05/14/announcing-scholar-salon-85-register-for-june-12/
